If you’re wondering, “Do groundhogs eat asparagus,” the short answer is yes—and they can be surprisingly destructive. Groundhogs find asparagus shoots irresistible, often decimating entire patches in spring before you even get a chance to harvest.
These burrowing rodents are opportunistic feeders, and tender asparagus spears are like a gourmet meal to them. Understanding their behavior is key to protecting your garden.
Do Groundhogs Eat Asparagus
Yes, groundhogs definitely eat asparagus. They target the young, tender shoots that emerge in early spring. This is when the plants are most vulnerable and nutritious.
Groundhogs will eat both the above-ground spears and sometimes dig up the crowns if food is scarce. They prefer the succulent parts, leaving behind tougher, woody stems.
Why Groundhogs Love Asparagus
Asparagus is packed with moisture and nutrients. For groundhogs, it’s an easy, low-effort meal. The shoots are soft and require minimal chewing.
- High water content helps them stay hydrated
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Easy to reach without climbing
- Appears early in the season when other food is scarce
Groundhogs are crepuscular, meaning they feed mostly at dawn and dusk. They can clear a patch quickly if left unchecked.
Signs Groundhogs Are Eating Your Asparagus
You might not see the groundhog itself, but the damage is obvious. Look for these clues:
- Cleanly bitten-off spears at ground level
- Missing shoots that were there the day before
- Burrow holes near the asparagus bed
- Droppings shaped like small dark capsules
- Tracks in soft soil near the plants
If you notice these signs, act fast. Groundhogs can strip a patch in just a few nights.
How To Protect Your Asparagus From Groundhogs
You have several options to keep groundhogs away from your asparagus. Some methods work better than others, depending on your garden setup.
Physical Barriers
Fencing is the most reliable solution. Groundhogs are good diggers, so the fence must extend underground.
- Use 2-foot tall chicken wire or hardware cloth
- Bury the bottom 12 inches at least 6 inches deep
- Bend the buried part outward in an L-shape to prevent digging under
- Make sure the fence is at least 3 feet above ground
Electric fencing can also work, but it’s more expensive and requires maintenance.
Repellents And Deterrents
Some gardeners swear by natural repellents. These are less reliable than fencing but worth trying.
- Predator urine (coyote or fox) sprayed around the patch
- Garlic or hot pepper spray applied to spears
- Motion-activated sprinklers that startle them
- Ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds
Remember that repellents need reapplication after rain. They may also lose effectiveness over time as groundhogs get used to them.
Trapping And Removal
Live trapping is an option if other methods fail. Check local laws before trapping, as regulations vary.
- Use a large, baited trap near the burrow entrance
- Bait with fresh vegetables like lettuce, carrots, or asparagus
- Check the trap daily and release the animal far away (at least 5 miles)
- Seal the burrow after removal to prevent reoccupation
Relocating groundhogs can be stressful for them and may not be legal in your area. Consider professional wildlife control instead.
Do Groundhogs Eat Other Garden Plants
Yes, groundhogs are not picky. They eat a wide variety of vegetables and flowers. Knowing their preferences helps you plan your garden.
Plants Groundhogs Love Most
- Asparagus (especially young shoots)
- Beans and peas
- Carrots and root vegetables
- Lettuce and leafy greens
- Broccoli and cabbage
- Clover and alfalfa
- Dandelions and weeds
They also eat fruits like strawberries, melons, and fallen apples. In dry periods, they may eat bark from young trees.
Plants Groundhogs Usually Avoid
No plant is completely groundhog-proof, but some are less appealing. These include:
- Tomatoes (though they might nibble)
- Peppers (spicy varieties are avoided)
- Onions and garlic
- Rhubarb (toxic to them in large amounts)
- Squash with prickly stems
- Herbs like mint, rosemary, and sage
Planting these around your asparagus might offer some protection, but it’s not a guarantee.
When Do Groundhogs Eat Asparagus
Timing matters. Groundhogs are most active in early spring when asparagus first emerges. This is also when they emerge from hibernation and are hungry.
Seasonal Patterns
Groundhogs hibernate from late fall to early spring. They wake up around February or March, depending on your climate. Asparagus shoots appear around the same time.
- Spring: Peak feeding on tender shoots
- Summer: They eat other plants but may return to asparagus
- Fall: They focus on fattening up for hibernation
- Winter: Inactive (hibernating in burrows)
If you protect your asparagus in early spring, you can often harvest a good crop before groundhogs become a problem.
How To Harvest Asparagus Before Groundhogs Get It
Timing your harvest can outsmart groundhogs. Spears grow fast, and you can pick them before groundhogs find them.
- Check your patch daily in spring
- Harvest spears when they are 6-8 inches tall
- Cut or snap them at ground level
- Leave some spears to grow into ferns for next year
Harvesting early reduces the window of opportunity for groundhogs. They are less likely to target a patch that is picked clean.
Using Row Covers
Row covers are lightweight fabric that lets light and water through but keeps pests out. They work well for asparagus.
- Drape the cover over the bed immediately after planting
- Secure the edges with soil or rocks
- Remove the cover when spears are ready to harvest
- Replace the cover after harvesting to protect new shoots
This method is cheap and easy. It also protects against frost and other pests.
Do Groundhogs Eat Asparagus Ferns
Groundhogs usually avoid asparagus ferns. The ferns are tough and less palatable than the tender shoots. However, hungry groundhogs may nibble them.
If your ferns are damaged, it could be deer or rabbits instead. Deer eat ferns more often than groundhogs do.
Why Ferns Matter
Asparagus ferns are essential for next year’s crop. They photosynthesize and store energy in the roots. Protecting them is important.
- Let ferns grow after harvest season
- Water and fertilize ferns during summer
- Cut ferns down in late fall after they turn brown
- Remove dead debris to prevent disease
If groundhogs do eat your ferns, the plant may be weaker next year. Focus on protecting the spears first.
Natural Predators Of Groundhogs
Encouraging natural predators can help control groundhog populations. This is a long-term strategy that works best in rural areas.
Animals That Hunt Groundhogs
- Foxes
- Coyotes
- Bobcats
- Large hawks and owls
- Domestic dogs (some breeds)
You can attract predators by providing habitat. Brush piles, tall grass, and water sources help. But be careful—predators may also target your pets or chickens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Groundhogs Eat Asparagus Plants Completely?
Yes, they can eat all the young shoots, leaving no spears for you. They may also damage the crowns if they dig around the roots.
Do Groundhogs Eat Asparagus At Night?
Groundhogs are most active during early morning and late afternoon. They rarely feed at night, but they can if hungry.
Can I Use Mothballs To Repel Groundhogs From Asparagus?
Mothballs are not recommended. They are toxic to pets, children, and beneficial insects. They also don’t work well outdoors.
Do Groundhogs Eat Asparagus Roots?
They prefer shoots but may dig up and eat roots if food is scarce. This usually happens in late summer or during drought.
How Deep Do Groundhog Burrows Go Near Asparagus Beds?
Burrows can be 2-5 feet deep and up to 30 feet long. They often have multiple entrances. Sealing them requires careful work.
Final Thoughts On Groundhogs And Asparagus
Protecting your asparagus from groundhogs takes effort, but it’s possible. Start with fencing and early harvesting. Combine methods for best results.
Remember that groundhogs are persistent. If one method fails, try another. Your asparagus patch can thrive with a little planning.
Now you know the answer to “do groundhogs eat asparagus.” Yes, they do, but you can outsmart them with the right strategies. Happy gardening.